FIRST FRIDAY Experience an Authentic Missoula Evening

Join us in Downtown Missoula for First Fridays!  Held on the first Friday of every month, businesses showcase an important part of the heart and soul of our community – art! Experience an authentic Missoula evening as you stroll along Downtown’s historic streets where art galleries and local businesses open their doors to feature stunning art exhibits, live music, and special events.

You can also savor exclusive deals and specials at Downtown’s unique retailers and restaurants, making it a perfect night out for friends, families, and art enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to support local artists, enjoy fantastic food, shop at our retailers, and immerse yourself in the creative spirit that makes Downtown Missoula so special.

 

First Friday Special Happenings:

*for more First Friday happenings, visit missoulaevents.org or download the Arts Missoula Directory from Arts Missoula to get First Friday schedules, peruse artistic resources, check out the guide to local artists, and more!

MAY 2026
  • 4 Ravens Gallery (216 N. Higgins): Showcasing original clay sculptures by Maryann Eikens. Boss Bunny and gang are invading 4 Ravens Gallery. There are giant bunnies and small, short bunnies and tall, curious, colorful and whimsical. Event starts at 5pm.
  • Artists’ Shop (127 N. Higgins): Ani Eastwood’s Spring 2026 show will feature New Original Oils of Abstract Impressionism: Featuring themes of nature, springtime, and rejuvenation. These loose brush strokes and ideas are based off Western Montana inspired locations. Event runs 5-8pm.
  • Board of Missoula (618 S. Higgins): Remember Tech Decks™ from middle school? A local artist who has been making fingerboards since 2020 on and off will be hanging in the store. Come revisit childhood memories, boards to try & boards to buy. Ramps, rails, obstacles & hangs. Event runs 5-7pm.
  • Confluence Center (119 W. Main): To celebrate Zombie Awareness Month, we offer up a ghoulish group exhibit asking the real, deep question: What is a zombie, really? Upend your expectations of everything you thought you knew about the darker sides of ourselves and be immersed in a colorfully disturbing exhibit! Featuring a variety of work from artists local and national. Also featuring a special presentation of the short film “Until Your Last Breath” directed by Jozlyn Baumann at 8pm. Event runs 5-8pm.
  • Cranky Sam Public House (233 W. Main): Missoula Gives Finale Party. Bee’s Knees cocktails and live music. Show your Missoula Gives donation for a Bees Knees cocktail coupon. Open from 11am-10pm.
  • Dana Gallery (246 N. Higgins): Join us in welcoming renowned artist Lori McNee as we open her new exhibit, Wild at Heart. Wild at Heart features personal brushes with nature, drawn from Lori’s photographs, plein air studies, and lived experiences. Live music by Owen & Andres. Event starts at 5pm.
  • FMC Books (123 W. Main): For May’s First Friday, FMC Books welcomes photographer Jennifer Rol with a close-up look at the art of shibari—where tension, texture, and a little restraint become something undeniably beautiful. These macro shots turn knots into something intimate, sculptural, and just provocative enough to make you linger. Join us from 5–8pm to meet the artist and get a little tied up in the details. Event runs 5-8pm.
  • Historic Florence (111 N. Higgins): Art. Music. Wine. First Friday at the Historic Florence Building, Downtown Missoula. Event begins at 5pm.
  • Import Market (201 W. Broadway): Celebrating 50 years! Join in the fun for a family-friendly First Friday. Open mic hosted by Jonah & Rylan. Karaoke + kids freestyle. Grab the mic and sign it loud! Held on the 2nd floor. Event runs 4-8pm.
  • Kettlehouse Brewing Co. (605 Cold Smoke Ave – Bonner): Full moon yoga. Class 6-7pm; mingle 7-8pm.
  • Local Missoula Walking Tours: Local Missoula Walking Tours is thrilled to unveil our brand‑new Audio Art Tour! To celebrate First Friday, both our Art and History audio tours are 50% off. Take yourself on an adventure, soak up Missoula’s stories, and explore downtown in a whole new way. Find all the details at localmissoulatours.com
  • Missoula Art Museum (335 N. Pattee): An unforgettable evening celebrating the opening of Acts of Love, Refusal, and Resistance, a powerful new exhibition featuring the work of Sara Siestreem (Hanis Coos of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians). Sara will be in attendance for an artist talk at 5:30 PM, with music by Dylan Running Crane. Event runs 5-7pm.
  • Missoula Children’s Theatre (200 N. Adams): Featuring Mama Mia! Back by popular demand, the music by Sweden’s pop group ABBA and the unlikely story created from it will rock Missoula once again. Performance at 7:30pm. Additional performances: May 2-3, May 7-10, May 14-17. *Tickets required
  • Missoula Farmers Market (N. Higgins by the red Xs): Don’t miss our First Friday Pop-Up at the Missoula Farmers’ Market! We’re bringing the vibes with live music and fun raffle prize drawings. All at the market location on North Higgins by the XXXXs. Event runs 5-7pm.
  • Missoula Parks & Rec Base Camp (301 E. Main – old library): Enjoy a night out while your kids enjoy a night of fun! First Friday Date Night Childcare is designed for children ages 2 and up. Kids will have a blast with a variety of age-appropriate activities, including obstacle courses, strider bikes, and arts & crafts. Whether your child loves to move, create, or explore, there’s something for everyone. Childcare is available from 5:30–8:30 PM at Base Camp. Drop off your kids with confidence and enjoy your evening knowing they’re having just as much fun as you are! Registration required HERE. Pizza dinner provided.
  • Montana Museum of Art & Culture (795 S. 5th St. W): Visit the MMAC to view exhibitions “ReAssessing Aden Arnold,” “InSequence: Geoffrey Stocking,” and “The Year of the Horse.” Refreshments included. Event runs 5-7pm. And while you’re on campus, visit The Gallery of Arts in the Social Science building to view the 2026 BFA Senior Thesis Exhibition from 4-6pm.
  • Opportunity Resources (2821 S. Russell): Featuring artwork from every Artist of Opportunity. Come witness a live painting in action, pay a $1 to smash a piece of pottery, and vote on your favorite artworks! Framed artwork and pottery will be for sale. Event runs 5-7pm.
  • Pearl Boba Tea (420 N. Higgins): Hosting a mini Asian Market with 5 local vendors! Vendors will be selling Asian food, handmade crafts and more! Open 11am – 8pm, market runs 5-8pm.
  • Sacred Ally (130 E. Broadway): Meet new folks while creating poetry from pre-cut words. We are thrilled to announce a free-to-attend Singles Art Mingle for May’s 2026 First Friday. Facilitated by Lizzi. Featuring Jenna Nord’s photography. Then, starting at 7PM, a bumping, monthly, family-friendly dance party for after the art walk, featuring local dj: Kris Moon.
  • The Clay Studio of Missoula (1106 Hawthorne): The Clay Studio of Missoula Community Exhibition is a celebration of clay in its many forms and the vibrant community of makers who shape it. This annual exhibition highlights the diverse talents of nearly fifty Clay Studio members, students and resident artists, featuring an array of functional pottery alongside striking sculptural works that push the boundaries of form and texture. Event runs 5-8pm.
  • The Old Post (103 W. Spruce):  Music by Dan Dubuque. Starts at 7:30pm.
  • VRTX Fitness (255 S. Russell): Join us as the sun goes down on May 1st! Sunset Events presents Golden Hour, an open-air rooftop EDM dance party! DJs Ivanoff & Ardella will be spinning fresh House, Progressive, and Trance through the Golden Hour! Doors open at 5:30pm, with music kicking off at 6:00pm and carrying you into the night until 9:30pm. This is an 18 event, with 21 access for alcohol.
  • Zootown Arts Community Center (216 W. Main): Jazzoula featuring River City Singers/Sweet Adelines, Bautista/Mendell Quartet, Sigel/Stalling-the color of Brasil, Daijah Vu Quartet. Show begins at 6:30pm. *Tickets required
Downtown Galleries

 

Are you a local business or artist looking to participate in First Fridays? Here are some ways you can be a part of the First Friday magic.

  • Businesses: Are you a business looking to host an artist in your location? Connect with Arts Missoula at [email protected]
  • Artists: Are you an artist looking to get your art in a business? Connect with Arts Missoula at [email protected]
  • Members of the Missoula Downtown Association: Participate in any way that works for your business (stay open later, host a special pop-up event, host live music, etc.). For more info on how to participate, email [email protected] or submit your First Friday information HERE.
  • Host a parklet! Also known as pop-up parks, parklets convert on-street parking spaces into temporary people places in support of a friendly environment for people biking and walking. It’s free for Missoula businesses to host a First Friday Parklet so sign up today!  CLICK HERE to get more info and sign up via Missoula in Motion.